The 57-room boutique Hotel Lancaster is a gem, a very expensive, finely cut and cared for gem, that envelops guests in an atmosphere of intimacy and privilege. Marlene Dietrich lived here in the 1930s, and the Marlene Dietrich Suite is available for those who want to vacation in the movie star’s stilettos. Built in 1889, the Lancaster is close to the Champs Elysee but hidden away, a discreet, elegant escape from the 21st-century tech and neon chaos that now permeates the famous avenue.

Located on the Champs Élysées, the Fouquet's Barrière is one of the most famous and exclusive luxury hotels in Paris. It has a slightly modernized Haussmann-style exterior, while interior design combines baroque, surrealist, and classic style elements with contemporary flair. Sophisticated rooms start at 400 square feet, and black marble bathrooms have separate showers and tubs as well as TVs in the mirrors. The extensive features include three restaurants (one Michelin-starred), an upscale spa, and a gorgeous indoor swimming pool. The hotel deserves its five-star status, but this level of luxury comes at a very high price.

The world-renowned luxury hotel Plaza Athenee -- a part of the Dorchester Collection -- is synonymous with Parisian elegance and good taste. Iconic red awnings and chestnut trees welcome guests to the historic setting, on the upscale Avenue Montaigne location with direct views of the Eiffel Tower. It's all about luxury here, inside and out. The avenue is lined with high-end shops such as Christian Dior (guests have access to the Dior Institute for a full range of quality beauty and spa treatments), Prada, and Chanel. And inside, the 146 rooms and 45 suites are decorated in classic Art Deco style with modern touches like flat-screen TVs and marble baths. With six distinct restaurants, a large fitness center, and a can't-miss daily breakfast in a leafy garden, the Plaza Athenee doesn't miss a beat. But it comes at a high price -- and Wi-Fi isn't even included in that cost.

The 88-room Hotel Le Bristol opened its doors in 1925 during the Roaring Twenties, and today is still one of Paris' best-known luxury hotels. It offers impressive amenities for its small size, including a sunlit indoor pool (a rare find in Paris); a three-Michelin-star restaurant, Epicure; and a lovely spa with three floors featuring a Turkish bath and playroom for kids. Families are welcome in this posh environment: There's a dedicated Children's Programme, and little ones may appreciate the fact that there's a resident cat roaming the hotel. Rooms are elegant, aside from the dated comforters, and vary in size and price. The hotel -- located on one of the most high-end shopping streets in Paris -- is steps to the Hermes flagship store, as well as avenue Montaigne and Champs Elysees.

The 23-room Hotel Mathis is an upscale boutique property in the 8th arrondissement, within walking distance of designer shops and the Arc de Triomphe. The attractive, Art Deco-inspired decor is particularly impressive in the cozy breakfast room, which has crystal chandeliers, rich blue banquet seating, and crown moldings, as well as in the bar, which has plush red couches. Most rooms have a toned-down version of this look (antique-like lamps, rich curtains, prettily patterned desk chairs), but some have modern elements that contribute to a more eclectic feel. All have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel's charm and level of luxury are comparable to the Hotel Daniel's, but prices are often better here (though they're still not cheap).

This historic Parisian building near Champs Elysees -- once a private mansion of Comte de Breteuil, and formerly known as the Crowne Plaza hotel -- is now owned by the InterContinental brand. But the property doesn't feel like a chain, offering 55 rooms and stylish boutique design by Bruno Borrione. Well-dressed guests linger in the communal areas, which include a lounge, and outdoor terrace surrounded by potted plants and classic architecture. The attached jazz-themed restaurant serves continental breakfast in the mornings and international gourmet cuisine for lunch and dinner. Rooms are modern and bright, with red accents, black and white ceiling murals, iPod/iPad docks, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms -- also impressive -- include sliding doors, deep sinks, shower/tub combos and Hermes toiletries. A number of features were provided with business travelers in mind, including the high-tech meeting space and business corner, which are decorated with hip wall murals and atmospheric lighting. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Hotel Pershing Hall is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle. This beautiful 18th century building is home to the trendy Restaurant Pershing and a popular lounge. An indoor courtyard with retractable roof and vertical garden is a highlight here, along with a small fitness center and spa. While there are some great freebies -- including breakfast, Wi-Fi, and bottled water -- rooms at the lower floors experience significant noise from the bar and lounge downstairs. Rooms are stylish and sleek, and bathrooms have walk-in showers (some have soaking tubs), but some guests complain that the price point is high for the quality of rooms and service.

Hotel Daniel is an elegant boutique located between the Champs Elysees and Rue du Fauburg Saint-Honore, two of the most famous streets in Paris. With an abundance of silks, rich fabrics, furniture from around the globe, and hand-painted wallpaper, this small property has charm to spare. The 26 rooms are decent-sized for Paris, and come with great amenities including luxurious bathrooms with big soaking tubs and striking antiques. The restaurant is outstanding (but expensive), and service is top-notch, but there’s little in the way of amenities. Extras -- such as valet parking and breakfast -- are quite pricey.

The Hotel Cristal Champs Elysees is a 26-room boutique on a quiet cobblestone street off the Champs Elysees. Clean, colorful rooms have contemporary decor, and are a good size by Paris standards; high-end amenities include big flat-screen TVs and Keiji toiletries. Spacious bathrooms have glass walk-in showers and some have freestanding tubs. Decor is bold and trendy, particularly in the lobby and breakfast room, with bright pops of color. Rates are reasonable for the location -- close to world-class shopping and dining -- and Wi-Fi is free, but there is no fitness room and breakfast isn't included in the nightly rate.

The Bradford Elysees -- part of the Astotel group, with 17 hotels in Paris -- is an attractive boutique hotel offering Parisian elegance and good value. Aptly named for its close proximity to Champs Elysees (three blocks away), it's close to tons of good restaurants, bars, and shopping, yet still quiet due to its location on the quaint Rue St. Phillipe. The hotel was originally built as a private residence, and it's quite charming. The rooms are individually decorated in old Parisian style, and they're updated and modern with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks (ask for a room on the sixth floor for possible views of the Eiffel Tower). The only thing missing is a restaurant -- there's only breakfast, and it comes at a high cost. But most guests don't mind since there are tons of options right nearby.